ATI RN
ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B
1. A family was referred to crisis intervention services after a natural disaster. One family member refuses to attend, stating, 'No way, I'm not crazy.' What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Don't worry now. The psychiatrists are well trained to help.
- B. Many times, disasters can create mental health problems, so you really should participate with your family.
- C. This will help your family communicate better.
- D. Seeking this kind of help does not mean that you have a mental illness; it is a short-term problem-solving technique.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should reassure the family member that seeking help does not imply mental illness, but is part of coping with the disaster.
2. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?
- A. Administer the medication as requested
- B. Assess the patient's pain level first
- C. Administer a placebo to the client
- D. Refuse to give any medication to the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.
3. Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?
- A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
- B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
- C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
- D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.
4. The patient experienced a surgical procedure, and Betadine was utilized as the surgical prep. Two days postoperatively, the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient's temperature is 100.5°F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm³. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Reevaluate the temperature and white blood cell count in 4 hours.
- B. Check which solution was used for skin preparation in surgery.
- C. Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift.
- D. Utilize SBAR to notify the primary health care provider.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The patient is showing signs of a possible surgical site infection, including redness, purulent drainage, tenderness, elevated temperature, and increased white blood cell count. These symptoms suggest the need for immediate action to address a potential complication. Utilizing SBAR to notify the primary health care provider is crucial as it allows for effective communication of the patient's condition and the need for further assessment and intervention. Reevaluating the temperature and white blood cell count later, checking the solution used for skin preparation, or planning to change the dressing do not address the urgent need for intervention and communication with the healthcare provider.
5. A client is preparing for surgery wearing a necklace. What is the appropriate action?
- A. Remove the necklace and place it in a drawer
- B. Tape the necklace to the patient's skin
- C. Ask the patient for permission to lock it in a safe
- D. Ask the family to hold onto the necklace
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The appropriate action when a client is wearing a necklace before surgery is to ask the patient for permission to lock it in a safe. This is in line with hospital policy to secure valuables before entering surgery. Choice A is incorrect because simply placing the necklace in a drawer may not be secure. Choice B is incorrect as taping the necklace to the patient's skin can cause skin irritation and is not a standard practice. Choice D is incorrect because the responsibility for securing valuables typically lies with the healthcare team, not the patient's family.
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